What's behind the Valkyries' surprising start? A 'natural' leader who just needed a chance

Valkyries point guard Veronica Burton is loud and quiet. She’s confident and calm. Extra emphasis on the calm.
Four years ago, when Burton was set to join the USA Women’s National Team at the 2021 FIBA AmeriCup, longtime Northwestern Wildcats head coach Joe McKeown wanted to have a word with Dawn Staley, coach-to-coach.

“The first three days, you won’t even know she’s there,” McKeown recalled telling the U.S. head coach about his All-Big Ten First Team star player.

“But after that, she’s going to start for you,” he continued. “I’ll tell you why, because she’s not flashy, and she does just about everything right.”



https://sfstandard.com/2025/06/24/veronica-burton-valkyries-playoffs-draft/